This is a film about the life of  Lady Margaret  Thatcher, the iconic, long  serving  Prime Minister  of Great  Britain. The whole of the film  left me  greatly saddened. For  such a great  and  courageous  woman, this  depiction  tends  to  exaggerate  Ms. Thatchers' struggle with dementia while busy running  through the highlights of her political career. Without 'doubt' Meryl  Streep's  portrayal is  amazing. She  captures the manner, voice and   at  times  the undeniable  strength and bravado  that real-life  Margaret Thatcher carried. Unfortunately, by  dwelling so  much on  the present  and dementia years, the poignant life's work of Ms. Thatcher is given short shrift. Watching the film I couldn't help but compare her to the  politicans  of  today. None  carry her  sense of duty, honor and determination to do  the right thing  even if  it's difficult  and politically  unpopular.  God please send us someone like Lady Thatcher. America needs her.

This is a great little movie! At a running time of 1 hr. 58 min. it could get long, but it doesn't. There's  enough storyline and music to keep this movie rolling along. Starring Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah as rivals in a church choir, the story  is both touching with several plots going  at one  time, and  very, very  musical. In fact, the soundtrack would be a worthy addition to one's Gospel music collection. Featuring guests  appearances by Kirk  Franklin and my Southern Gospel pal Karen Peck, I was lifted up and encouraged from the first beat! Dolly is of course a little "cornball" in her humor, and Queen Latifah does an incredible job of singing and acting. Keke Palmer and Jeremy Jordan are the two kids who really rock this choir. Queen Latifah's rendition of "Fix Me Jesus" is heartfelt.  Parton wrote  three great  songs  for  the movie score. The finale is incredible and amazingly for  Hollywood allows Jesus to be glorified in song!

While on vacation this week to one of my favorite destinations, Atlanta, Georgia, I  got  the great  and rare  opportunity to  see the  broadway musical  production  FELA!  It's  the story  of  civil rights  leader and advocate Fela Kuti, who also was the hottest musician in Aftrica during the 1970's. The story  is about  the struggle that  the nation of Nigeria endured  during  this time  of repressive  dictatorships  and  regimes. Although the story is gritty at times, the music and the dance that also tells the story is  heart-pounding  and infectuous!  Also, while  visiting Atlanta, I saw the movie "The Help" which deals with black and white America  in  the  60's. Jackson, Mississippi to  be  exact. I  highly recommend this movie. The story is well written and needs to be heard by all races. I was moved by the storyline, and several performances and scenes were emotionally charged and Oscar worthy!